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A Rare Ability: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Variation
Only Elizabeth Bennet can see Darcy's secret, but will he discover in time that she also holds his heart? Reluctantly, painfully, searching for a wife among society’s best in the London season, Darcy breaks free and escapes to the country. And without warning, that is where he finds her. Darcy knows deep inside him that Elizabeth Bennet is what he needs and who he wants, although the rules of society are against him. But his affections cannot be denied. Just as he decides his future must be with Elizabeth Bennet, she is lost to him. Darcy must risk his reputation, the regard of his family, even his very life. Will he ever win Elizabeth's love? A Rare Ability is a sweet and clean Regency Romance of over 88 thousand words.
506 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2019
65 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 3, 2020
Overcoming Disability
This variation reveals Darcy as a socially disabled man, unsure of himself in company. While we already know he is never comfortable at balls and large company in general, this book examines it more closely. There is no great misunderstanding at the Meryton assembly because Elizabeth has the ability to see what causes his discomfort, having seen it in a childhood friend.
I always enjoy this author and feel some of the reviews were a bit harsh. As someone who knows how autism/Asperger can effect someone and their family, I appreciated the story the author was trying to tell. Throughout, she never lost sight of the Darcy and Elizabeth love story. Nicely done.
This variation reveals Darcy as a socially disabled man, unsure of himself in company. While we already know he is never comfortable at balls and large company in general, this book examines it more closely. There is no great misunderstanding at the Meryton assembly because Elizabeth has the ability to see what causes his discomfort, having seen it in a childhood friend.
I always enjoy this author and feel some of the reviews were a bit harsh. As someone who knows how autism/Asperger can effect someone and their family, I appreciated the story the author was trying to tell. Throughout, she never lost sight of the Darcy and Elizabeth love story. Nicely done.
July 6, 2022
498 pages on my Kindle. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
This story revolves around Darcy having a social disability: he is even more withdrawn and reticent in company than in canon. Other reviews refer to him as possibly having Asperger syndrome...
which was, of course, unknown in those times.
Elizabeth, on the other hand is gifted with an intuition as to what certain people are feeling. John Lucas, a now dead childhood friend, suffered as Darcy is described doing. John's family gave him no support or understanding. At age 12 he was sent to join the Navy.
Then there is the off-chance that Elizabeth has a journal with writing material hidden away in a tree trunk in a meadow. Darcy discovers it and they begin an anonymous communication which helps each to know and understand the other better.
As in canon, Darcy struggles with wanting Elizabeth but knowing her family is beneath what he expects to marry into. He rejoins society events in looking for someone like Elizabeth but of his class in society. Richard, the Colonel, helps redirect him here.
Lydia presents another obstacle to Darcy (or anyone) wanting to marry into the Bennet family...not a new premise but the resolution is a little different.
Pleasant reading, no angst, no surprises, long.
This story revolves around Darcy having a social disability: he is even more withdrawn and reticent in company than in canon. Other reviews refer to him as possibly having Asperger syndrome...
which was, of course, unknown in those times.
Elizabeth, on the other hand is gifted with an intuition as to what certain people are feeling. John Lucas, a now dead childhood friend, suffered as Darcy is described doing. John's family gave him no support or understanding. At age 12 he was sent to join the Navy.
Then there is the off-chance that Elizabeth has a journal with writing material hidden away in a tree trunk in a meadow. Darcy discovers it and they begin an anonymous communication which helps each to know and understand the other better.
As in canon, Darcy struggles with wanting Elizabeth but knowing her family is beneath what he expects to marry into. He rejoins society events in looking for someone like Elizabeth but of his class in society. Richard, the Colonel, helps redirect him here.
Lydia presents another obstacle to Darcy (or anyone) wanting to marry into the Bennet family...not a new premise but the resolution is a little different.
Pleasant reading, no angst, no surprises, long.
January 3, 2021
I waffle between 3 to 4 stars on this, so I guess its more 3.5.
Kind of did a binge read on this author and once again I am amazed at the creativity and all the variations writers can come up with. That being said, this one wasn't my fave.
D seems to be on the spectrum, at least that is alluded to, and he does have a couple of people around him who are understanding and helpful. However, as far as romance goes, he hits a wall. Only E gets him, she seems to "know" everything. When the character seems so perfect, there isn't really much place for growth and it boils down to D's dilemma of can I or can't I marry so far below me...
Sweet read, but didn't really grab me.
Kind of did a binge read on this author and once again I am amazed at the creativity and all the variations writers can come up with. That being said, this one wasn't my fave.
D seems to be on the spectrum, at least that is alluded to, and he does have a couple of people around him who are understanding and helpful. However, as far as romance goes, he hits a wall. Only E gets him, she seems to "know" everything. When the character seems so perfect, there isn't really much place for growth and it boils down to D's dilemma of can I or can't I marry so far below me...
Sweet read, but didn't really grab me.
October 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this. As a neuroatypical person, I have long had a soft spot for the trope of Darcy, as a man with Asperger's.
The author captured perfectly his bewilderment, when facing a social situations. One can easily imagine someone of his social standing, covering his unease with hauteur.
Really lovely romance.
The author captured perfectly his bewilderment, when facing a social situations. One can easily imagine someone of his social standing, covering his unease with hauteur.
Really lovely romance.
February 13, 2019
A Disability without Diagnosis
An odd story. If you prefer the notion that Darcy's manner is the result of a behavioral disability rather than simple shyness or the learned arrogance of the English Recency class system, this book will stoke your fire. It also presents an astonishingly astute Elizabeth. Romantic fantasy - yes, only more fantasy than overt romance. Not an unrealistic vision, but fantasy, none the less. Good, but overpriced for the genre as it's not a must read.o
An odd story. If you prefer the notion that Darcy's manner is the result of a behavioral disability rather than simple shyness or the learned arrogance of the English Recency class system, this book will stoke your fire. It also presents an astonishingly astute Elizabeth. Romantic fantasy - yes, only more fantasy than overt romance. Not an unrealistic vision, but fantasy, none the less. Good, but overpriced for the genre as it's not a must read.o
April 22, 2022
Elizabeth’s ability to see others
Elizabeth’s ability to see others strengths and weaknesses makes this story come to life. Elizabeth’s can see Darcy’s inability to communicate and connect to situations around him and tries to help him navigate the Meryton assembly. From there I was hooked. Elizabeth’s ability made it possible for others to see the true worth of Darcy and not his fortune. Well done!
Elizabeth’s ability to see others strengths and weaknesses makes this story come to life. Elizabeth’s can see Darcy’s inability to communicate and connect to situations around him and tries to help him navigate the Meryton assembly. From there I was hooked. Elizabeth’s ability made it possible for others to see the true worth of Darcy and not his fortune. Well done!
February 12, 2019
I must agree with other reviewers
For way too much money we get way too little that is original or even interesting. Entertaining? It’s not that either.
For way too much money we get way too little that is original or even interesting. Entertaining? It’s not that either.
March 15, 2025
In this vagary Darcy is an individual on the autism spectrum. Due to that change we have a much different story arc. The character of Fitzwilliam Darcy lends itself well to speculation about how his personality might exist because of a condition like autism. Canon Darcy is shy, stoic, uncomfortable in social situations and unsure how to navigate in unfamiliar situations without causing offense.
Harriet Knowles has created an Elizabeth with an ability to discern someone with that particular discomfort in social situations; someone who appears unable to understand what people are thinking, feeling and how they are acting. Elizabeth has had the advantage of knowing John Lucas, a young man who did not fit in with his family or the community. The young Lucas so dismayed his family with his differences that he was sent to sea at a young age where he died in a battle. Elizabeth did learn what specifically made him uncomfortable and some ways to make him more comfortable. He was able to explain his deficiencies in a way that she was able to understand and how he felt compelled to act as properly as possible to avoid inadvertently giving offense.
Darcy joins his friend Bingley at Netherfield where he unhappily attends the assembly. Forced to ask Elizabeth for a dance by his friend he is pleasantly surprised by her ability to make him feel comfortable. She does not require a lot of conversation, nor does she insist on holding uncomfortable eye contact with him. He finds she is someone he can relax with. Even better he stumbles upon an unknown lady’s journal tucked into a hidden spot in a tree where she has been musing about an acquaintance with a situation much like his own. He can’t resist commenting about himself and soon a few entries (letters?) have been exchanged between the two. Both Darcy and Elizabeth ponder over the coincidence of there being someone else who has and/or understands the situation. Both eventually realize, of course, that it can be no other than Darcy and Elizabeth.
Darcy is very affected by Elizabeth but after meeting her family he knows he could never tie himself to such a family. Confiding in his cousin, Richard, he explains the situation and how he now has hope that he might find a lady in society who could help him as Elizabeth does. His cousin encourages him to try, but if he can’t find that woman he should court Elizabeth for his own happiness.
Darcy eventually realizes that there isn’t another woman who can not only help with his comfort in society, but who he also cares deeply for. Once he comes to that realization,Wickham has interfered with Elizabeth’s family. There is a real chance that the Bennets will be irrevocably ruined. Darcy will have a big challenge to overcome the problem Wickham has created with no guarantee that Elizabeth will accept him even if he is successful. Darcy is nothing but persistent and shows that he is willing to put everything behind winning the lady he has come to love.
I really enjoyed this story with an interesting, original premise. It was so well written as well as respectful to persons who are neural diverse.
Harriet Knowles has created an Elizabeth with an ability to discern someone with that particular discomfort in social situations; someone who appears unable to understand what people are thinking, feeling and how they are acting. Elizabeth has had the advantage of knowing John Lucas, a young man who did not fit in with his family or the community. The young Lucas so dismayed his family with his differences that he was sent to sea at a young age where he died in a battle. Elizabeth did learn what specifically made him uncomfortable and some ways to make him more comfortable. He was able to explain his deficiencies in a way that she was able to understand and how he felt compelled to act as properly as possible to avoid inadvertently giving offense.
Darcy joins his friend Bingley at Netherfield where he unhappily attends the assembly. Forced to ask Elizabeth for a dance by his friend he is pleasantly surprised by her ability to make him feel comfortable. She does not require a lot of conversation, nor does she insist on holding uncomfortable eye contact with him. He finds she is someone he can relax with. Even better he stumbles upon an unknown lady’s journal tucked into a hidden spot in a tree where she has been musing about an acquaintance with a situation much like his own. He can’t resist commenting about himself and soon a few entries (letters?) have been exchanged between the two. Both Darcy and Elizabeth ponder over the coincidence of there being someone else who has and/or understands the situation. Both eventually realize, of course, that it can be no other than Darcy and Elizabeth.
Darcy is very affected by Elizabeth but after meeting her family he knows he could never tie himself to such a family. Confiding in his cousin, Richard, he explains the situation and how he now has hope that he might find a lady in society who could help him as Elizabeth does. His cousin encourages him to try, but if he can’t find that woman he should court Elizabeth for his own happiness.
Darcy eventually realizes that there isn’t another woman who can not only help with his comfort in society, but who he also cares deeply for. Once he comes to that realization,Wickham has interfered with Elizabeth’s family. There is a real chance that the Bennets will be irrevocably ruined. Darcy will have a big challenge to overcome the problem Wickham has created with no guarantee that Elizabeth will accept him even if he is successful. Darcy is nothing but persistent and shows that he is willing to put everything behind winning the lady he has come to love.
I really enjoyed this story with an interesting, original premise. It was so well written as well as respectful to persons who are neural diverse.
February 8, 2024
could have been better
I usually quite like Harriet Knowles variations, but I had a hard time liking this one. There was next to no angst. Past traumas are hinted at (Wickham, his parents) but never actually revealed. ODC resolved everything around the 80% mark and then I still had 20% left to go… but nothing really happened. The incorrect use of commas where semicolons were needed drove me batty (though otherwise the editing was good).
My big problem was the portrayal of Darcy. I have four immediate family members on the autism spectrum, plus many more in extended family and friend circles. Every single one of these people is multi-faceted and nuanced and has their own unique issues that go along with their neurodiversity and how much support they have had learning coping skills. Reading this book, I felt like Ms Knowles had heard somewhere that autistic people have a hard time understanding social cues and then wrote the book around that. Period. Darcy is very one-dimensional. He doesn’t have special interests. He doesn’t have any sensory issues. He doesn’t show signs of ADHD (aside from allowing his thoughts to drift occasionally). He doesn’t really exhibit black and white thinking or become confused/upset/troubled when his ideas of right and wrong are challenged. About his only personality trait beyond “I have problems with social interactions” is he likes a cat. So, while I appreciated Lizzy’s letter telling him he should be proud of what he’s accomplished, overall I felt the book sells this wonderful, diverse population short. If you want to write an autistic Darcy, fabulous. I honestly think Darcy probably was based on someone Ms Austen knew who might now be considered spectrumy. But please, do some research, get to know someone on the spectrum, and make your Darcy more than a paper cut-out. Otherwise you diminish the challenges and achievements of those with special brains like my family members.
I usually quite like Harriet Knowles variations, but I had a hard time liking this one. There was next to no angst. Past traumas are hinted at (Wickham, his parents) but never actually revealed. ODC resolved everything around the 80% mark and then I still had 20% left to go… but nothing really happened. The incorrect use of commas where semicolons were needed drove me batty (though otherwise the editing was good).
My big problem was the portrayal of Darcy. I have four immediate family members on the autism spectrum, plus many more in extended family and friend circles. Every single one of these people is multi-faceted and nuanced and has their own unique issues that go along with their neurodiversity and how much support they have had learning coping skills. Reading this book, I felt like Ms Knowles had heard somewhere that autistic people have a hard time understanding social cues and then wrote the book around that. Period. Darcy is very one-dimensional. He doesn’t have special interests. He doesn’t have any sensory issues. He doesn’t show signs of ADHD (aside from allowing his thoughts to drift occasionally). He doesn’t really exhibit black and white thinking or become confused/upset/troubled when his ideas of right and wrong are challenged. About his only personality trait beyond “I have problems with social interactions” is he likes a cat. So, while I appreciated Lizzy’s letter telling him he should be proud of what he’s accomplished, overall I felt the book sells this wonderful, diverse population short. If you want to write an autistic Darcy, fabulous. I honestly think Darcy probably was based on someone Ms Austen knew who might now be considered spectrumy. But please, do some research, get to know someone on the spectrum, and make your Darcy more than a paper cut-out. Otherwise you diminish the challenges and achievements of those with special brains like my family members.
September 13, 2021
The rarest of loves
This bought back memories for me of a young man I knew that was very shy. He was a dead friend. But one thing I've noticed about most shy people they love deeply. They are most of the time the most loyal. This is a sweet story of how those that struggle with the ability to express themselves especially in crowds can be helped to overcome that disability if you want to call it that! But to be able to understand that person and be willing to reach out to them is a precious quality indeed.
This bought back memories for me of a young man I knew that was very shy. He was a dead friend. But one thing I've noticed about most shy people they love deeply. They are most of the time the most loyal. This is a sweet story of how those that struggle with the ability to express themselves especially in crowds can be helped to overcome that disability if you want to call it that! But to be able to understand that person and be willing to reach out to them is a precious quality indeed.
March 16, 2023
Worst variation ever!
I really read 85%, but this usually well written author took an alpha hero and turned him into a confusing personality who had trouble making a decision. He supposedly was against Bingley marrying into the Bennett family, but the next thing you know he can't follow a conversation much less advise someone on anything. Half the time you'd swear Darcy was a simpleton, not a Cambridge graduate with a vast estate. How and why the author did this is beyond me. Don't bother with this one. Perhaps a good concept initially that went downhill - rapidly.
I really read 85%, but this usually well written author took an alpha hero and turned him into a confusing personality who had trouble making a decision. He supposedly was against Bingley marrying into the Bennett family, but the next thing you know he can't follow a conversation much less advise someone on anything. Half the time you'd swear Darcy was a simpleton, not a Cambridge graduate with a vast estate. How and why the author did this is beyond me. Don't bother with this one. Perhaps a good concept initially that went downhill - rapidly.
November 27, 2021
Reminds me of my own husband
Harriet Knowles continues to amaze me with her stories of our familiar characters dealing with challenging situations. As the spouse of someone who has challenges with "social ability," her insight into this particular form of neurodivergence really rang true.
Harriet Knowles continues to amaze me with her stories of our familiar characters dealing with challenging situations. As the spouse of someone who has challenges with "social ability," her insight into this particular form of neurodivergence really rang true.
August 4, 2022
Darcy has autism
I appreciate this variation that focuses on a challenge I deal with daily in my classroom. That said, my rating is reflective of the monotony; perhaps it was the author’s attempt to add length not substance to the story. The first half of this novel is a great read as well as the final chapter; everything in between is superfluous.
I appreciate this variation that focuses on a challenge I deal with daily in my classroom. That said, my rating is reflective of the monotony; perhaps it was the author’s attempt to add length not substance to the story. The first half of this novel is a great read as well as the final chapter; everything in between is superfluous.
August 28, 2021
Although it is never is named as such, in this P&P version Darcy has some sort of Autism/Asperger's. He is described as being completely baffled by social situations. This adds an interesting twist to cannon and offers something of an explanation for Darcy's proud, stony mien.
March 3, 2024
Interesting ability
I would love to have Elizabeth's ability since most of the time I identify myself more with Darcy. Enchanting story, interesting approach to the Wickham problem, and an adorable feline character!
I would love to have Elizabeth's ability since most of the time I identify myself more with Darcy. Enchanting story, interesting approach to the Wickham problem, and an adorable feline character!
December 15, 2020
Different
A rather interesting little story in this variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Harriet Knowles. I enjoyed it
A rather interesting little story in this variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Harriet Knowles. I enjoyed it
August 11, 2024
Not a fan of this Mr Darcy
I really didn’t like the character of Mr Darcy in this variation. He seemed almost emotionless or unfeeling at times. The story was a bit boring at times as well. Mrs T
I really didn’t like the character of Mr Darcy in this variation. He seemed almost emotionless or unfeeling at times. The story was a bit boring at times as well. Mrs T
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